Publication of transgender action plan

This speech was published under
the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

This written ministerial statement was laid in the House of Commons on 7 December 2011.

It was laid in the House of Commons on 7 December 2011 by Lynne Featherstone, and in the House of Lords by Baroness Verma.

At the very heart of the coalition Government is a commitment to fairness and equality. Celebrating the diversity of the UK and enabling all to be able to play their full part will lead to a strong society which values all of its citizens.

The UK has a record to be proud of in advancing equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people but we must not be complacent. We know that challenges still exist and we need to take bolder actions to deal with these issues.

Too many transgender people still face outdated prejudice at every stage of their lives, from discrimination in the workplace to tragic incidents of hate crime. This not only blights people’s lives, but undermines the principles upon which this country prides itself. This Government is committed to addressing these issues and advancing transgender equality.

This document recognised that transgender people face distinct and specific challenges that sometimes need to be addressed separately.

Today we are publishing Advancing Transgender Equality: A Plan for Action, which builds on our programme of work to tackle outdated prejudices and ensure equal chances for everyone whatever their gender identity. It shows a real commitment across Government to take concerted action to tear down barriers to equal opportunities and to build a fairer society.

This document also mirrors the aims of the Government’s The Equality Strategy - Building a Fairer Britain which aims to address inequality in social mobility, tackling deprivation, developing a fair and flexible labour market, promoting greater participation and opening up public services, and changing culture and attitudes.